On Sunday, February 3rd, Officer Wilkers was shot while attempting a routine traffic stop in the Southbridge area of the city. Multiple suspects were involved with the incident.

“As Mayor I am committed to ridding our city of anyone that threatens the safety of our neighborhoods. I’ve said that ‘I'm not in the business of Hugging Thugs!’ And that is exactly what I mean. Heinous acts such as this will not be tolerated. Our citizens will live in peace,” said Mayor Williams.

The Wilmington Police Department is actively investigating the incident and working closely with the Attorney General’s Office and Federal agencies. Delaware State Police and New Castle County Police also responded to the city and provided assistance.

Officer Wilkers, has been a member of the Wilmington Police Department for three years. He remains at the Christiana Care Hospital in serious but stable condition awaiting surgery.